RJW
2922
Really Right Stuff to improve your Olympus OMD grip
One of the major benefits of micro 4/3 cameras can also be a weakness. Many people going from SLR to micro 4/3 initially laud the major reduction in weight and size but the trade off can be reduced grip. The Olympus OMD partly overcomes this with a built-on thumb grip which I personally find to be a wonderful addition to the camera. Regardless, depending on the size of your lens, grip may still be a problem. Olympus anticipated this and produced the HLD6 grip to reproduce that "SLR" feel. Its has a 2 part construction with additional buttons, dials and a second battery compartment. However it does bulk up the camera and kind of loses the size/weight advantage of the micro 4/3 system. Plus the base blocks all access to the camera battery compartment. And I don't think the OMD is the kind of camera that needs 2 batteries immediately attached to it. I tried it and didn't particularly want it.
Many years ago, I converted to the Really Right Stuff brand and its ballhead/clamp/grip system for tripod attachment. So much so that all my cameras have a dedicated quick release plate for them, easily removed with an Allen key when necessary. I find the clamp gives a rock solid grip on the camera and the ballhead control infinitely improves positioning of the camera.
So naturally enough I bought a base plate for my OMD. Actually I added the L plate attachment as well for vertical use on my tripod.
Interestingly there was also a grip attachment which I seized upon as well. Brilliant!!! Note the grip has a rest for the middle finger. There's no extra buttons or dials but I'm used to rotating my wrist for portrait mode photography
The grip is hollowed to reduce weight. Also, access to the battery compartment is not lost. I don't have to remove the plate to change batteries.
So from my usual setup ...
to this (when I want the added grip support and tripod attachment).
Anyway, its worth a thought if you're already using a ballhead and clamp system with your tripod and you don't like the HLD6 grip. There's also an all-black system for those of you with the black camera. I hope this may have been of some help to you.
Regards,
Richard.
More posts:
Really Right Stuff to improve your Olympus OMD grip
One of the major benefits of micro 4/3 cameras can also be a weakness. Many people going from SLR to micro 4/3 initially laud the major reduction in weight and size but the trade off can be reduced grip. The Olympus OMD partly overcomes this with a built-...
re: RRS
Thanks for the review. I like RRS and use their camera plate products. Did you drop some loctite on the threads prior to attaching it to the camera? -MW
No I haven't found that necessary
so far. And retightening the screws is easy. Regards, Richard.
Been eyeing this
As this is not available locally, could only rely on poor quality photos. Look well built, although slightly rough on the edges. Now that there is a proper review, am thinking real hard! Only thing holding me back .... Costs USD300 plus shipping to Singap...
Hmmm, has the price gone up?
It cost me $200 USD plus shipping but I bought a few other things as well (just double checked my invoice). Anyway, the main purpose of this unit is as an Arca Swiss Style tripod quick release plate. The grip is an optional unit but as I needed the L plat...
Just double-checked the website
The all black set is listed for $180 USD. My silver unit is not listed. Either it was a limited edition or they're out of stock. Regards, Richard.
